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Our Focus is on the Facts

We believe sound fiscal and economic research is essential to uphold Iowa's economic vitality, future, and individual opportunity. 


Our Mission

It's Just Common Sense.

Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Iowa's economy. CSI is at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of free enterprise in Iowa and aims to have an impact on the issues that matter most to Iowan's.

 

Research
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Workforce
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Demographics are Destiny: How Iowa's Demographics are Shaping the State's Population, Workforce, and Economy

This report identifies the most up-to-date population trends in Iowa, including international and domestic migration and net births.

February 13, 2025 Ben MurreyAndrzej Wieciorkowski
Jobs & Our Economy
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Inflation in the Midwest - January 2025

Midwest inflation was back on the rise in January, growing 3.4% over the last year.

February 12, 2025 Andrzej Wieciorkowski
State Budget
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Iowa’s D.O.G.E.: How state government alignment is retuning money back to Iowans and contributing to the state’s economy

CSI found Iowa’s state government alignment enabled Iowa to lower its individual income tax rate from 3.9% to 3.8% two years sooner.

February 04, 2025 Ben Murrey
Taxes & Fees
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The Economic Impact of State Restrictions on Interchange Fees

This report serves to both educate and inform the public about interchange fees, their role in the payment card system, and the impacts of payment cards on the economy. Given the novelty of many state speci

February 03, 2025 Zachary Milne
Iowa unemployment the same, but report says labor market may be weakening
The Center Square
July 22, 2024
SHERMAN: New Energy Bills Will Crush Iowans’ Wallets
The Iowa Standard
June 14, 2024
Caitlin Clark opens up on the ‘hardest part’ about being Caitlin Clark
New York Post
May 12, 2024
Basketball to business: Caitlin Clark’s economic impact
The Daily Iowan
April 30, 2024
Workforce
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Boosting Iowa's Economy: The Childcare Solutions Fund featuring Sherri Penney

Without affordable and reliable childcare, parents’—especially mothers—miss out on work. Learn more about the causes, solutions, potential impacts, and how childcare profoundly affects Iowa's workforce.

November 20, 2024 Ben Murrey
Healthcare
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Iowa's Healthcare Landscape featuring Dr. Chelsea Lensing

Iowa’s policymakers, providers, and insurers operate within a state comprised of an aging population and large rural areas.

October 07, 2024 Dr. Chelsea LensingBen Murrey
Jobs & Our Economy
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Caitlin Clarkonomics and the Impact on Iowa featuring Ben Murrey

Our recent study, Clarkonomics, is not the first to explore the economics of Clark’s superstardom, but it takes a unique approach.

April 03, 2024 Ben Murrey
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Announcing the Launch of CSI Iowa featuring Joe Murphy and Ben Murrey

To discuss the launch of CSI Iowa, Host Earl Wright is joined by Joe Murphy, President of the Iowa Business Council and the inaugural CSI Iowa Board Chair, and Ben Murrey, CSI Iowa Director of Policy & Rese

February 22, 2024 Ben Murrey

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